Police arrest 16 suspects for killing security operatives, recover arms

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested 16 suspects for complicity in a series of violent and unprovoked attacks on security operatives and facilities in some states of the Federation, particularly in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.

The arrest, which is an outcome of painstaking, deliberate and tireless efforts by operatives of the Nigeria Police working in collaboration with their counterparts from the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Airforce is aimed at bringing to justice persons responsible for the emerging trend of attacks on security personnel and wanton destruction of security facilities and operational assets.

The suspects – Ugochukwu Samuel, aka Biggy, 28 and native of Arochukwu LGA in Abia State; Raphael Idang, 31 and native of Odukpani LGA of Cross River State; Cletus Nwachukwu Egole, aka ‘Alewa’, 60 years old, native of Orlu in Imo State; Michael Uba, 33, from Imo State; and 12 others during investigation, were implicated in multiple felonies committed across several states in the South-Eastern part of the Federation.

The Force Public Relations, CP Frank Mba, said on Sunday that the suspects were arrested in various parts of the country following sustained, and intelligence-driven sting operations.

According to him, police investigations clearly established and linked the suspects to several incidents of attacks and murder of security personnel as well as stealing, unlawful possession of firearms, arson and malicious damage to operational assets of military and law enforcement agents.

He said: “Specifically, investigations revealed that the duo of Ugochukwu Samuel aka Biggy and Raphael Idang were among the criminal elements that attacked policemen on duty at a checkpoint on 24th December 2020 along Orlu-Ihiala Road in Imo State, where two police officers were killed and a Police Hilux patrol van set ablaze.

“In addition, both were parts of a larger group that attacked a police reconnaissance team on 13th January 2021 and killed one police officer.

“Ugochukwu Samuel a.k.a Biggy, who sustained a bullet wound during an attack by his gang on a military convoy in which some soldiers were killed and weapons carted away, was subsequently arrested while receiving treatment in a hospital. Both suspects confessed to being active members of IPOB and ESN.

“Cletus Nwachukwu Egole aka Alewa, a pastor with the Holy Blessed Trinity Sabbath Church, Orlu, Imo State and Michael Uba, a prophet with the Association of Jewish Faith, who were also arrested, are two of the masterminds of the various attacks on security personnel, in addition to providing spiritual cover for the gang.

“Cletus Nwachukwu Egole aka Alewa’s house was used by the gang members to plan their nefarious operations. He also donated his late brother’s farmland for use as a hideout and training camp for the gang.

“A total of nine AK47 rifles, five other sophisticated firearms, 17 AK47 magazines, 549 AK47 live ammunition, 10 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), camouflage bullet proof vests, walkie talkies and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects.”

The FPRO said the Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, has reiterated that the Force will not tolerate any further attack on its personnel or any citizen by any individual or group under any guise whatsoever.

He assures that law enforcement agents have gathered sufficient intelligence on the attackers and are closing on scores of suspects already implicated in the attacks either directly or indirectly for financing, aiding, and abetting the criminals.

The CP stressed that no murderer would go unpunished and urged parents/guardians as well as traditional/opinion leaders to weigh in and prevail on their children/wards to desist from towing the destructive paths of crime.

He added that all the suspects will be charged on conclusion of investigations.